September 18, 2020
Dear Shaler Area families,
We have made it to the end of our first full week of school, and we hope that you and your children are finding a routine that works for your family. As mentioned last week, the district will remain in the 100% virtual model through October 9. With the case counts remaining consistent in Allegheny County, we will transition to the hybrid environment according to our announced timeline in our Back-to-School Task Force plan. The first day of hybrid learning is Monday, October 12.
In the hybrid model, we will have two cohorts of students in our buildings: Cohort A on Monday and Tuesday, and Cohort B on Thursday and Friday. All students will participate in a virtual environment on Wednesday. Wednesday instruction will include a combination of live lessons, asynchronous (independent) learning activities, and consultation time for students and teachers. Shaler Area will offer a full virtual learning option to all students who cannot participate in in-person instruction for any reason.
Additional information regarding this instructional model and expectations will be shared during the week of September 21. Please note that next week, we also will share another survey for you to complete if you choose to opt out of the hybrid mode and remain in the virtual setting full time.
As a reminder, we are continuing to provide free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch to any student age 18 and younger, each weekday. There are three locations to pick up the meals, which will be packaged together:
Shaler Area High School, 381 Wible Run Road, (dock area on Paul Schweiger Way behind the school)
Christ Lutheran Church, 917 Evergreen Avenue, Millvale
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 66 Grant Avenue, Etna
Thank you again for your understanding and support as we navigate this very different school year. We hope that next week is another great week of virtual learning for your children and family.
Sincerely,
Sean C. Aiken
Superintendent of Schools
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent